2018 is the first year the survey has been run on an annual basis, and also the first time universities from outside the United Kingdom have participated.
Over 16,000 postgraduates responded to the survey. Among the key findings are:
- Postgraduates researchers continue to rate their experience positively, with 8/10 who are satisfied overall. However, this represents a 2% decline since 2017
- They were positive about their supervision, with 9/10 PGRs satisfied with their supervisors’ knowledge, feedback and availability. Postgraduates were less positive about the research culture, with 63% of respondents reporting positively
- In contrast to undergraduate survey findings, PRES 2018 results indicate that UK domicile students of black ethnicity are the most likely to believe their research degree programme is worthwhile; and, again in contrast to the Advance HE – HEPI Student Academic Survey, postgraduate students working long hours in paid employment did not appear to be disadvantaged
- PGRs with a disability, however, were less positive about their experience, facing increasing challenges as they progress through their studies.